A parliamentary special committee in South Korea has initiated an inquiry into the National Election Commission (NEC) regarding a significant shortage of ballots during the recent local elections. The National Assembly formed an 18-member committee to investigate the causes of the ballot shortage at multiple polling stations in Seoul on June 3. Former NEC Chairman Roh Tae-ak expressed responsibility for the oversight issues during the session.
The special committee is set to receive further reports from the NEC, its regional offices, the interior ministry, and the National Police Agency on July 1. Plans for an on-site probe on July 8 and hearings on July 14 and July 22 have been approved. Acting NEC Chairman Wi Chul-hwan apologized to voters for the confusion caused by the ballot shortages and pledged to uncover the truth behind the issue.
Wi rejected calls for his resignation, deeming it premature to step down. The committee agreed to summon 43 witnesses, including current and former NEC officials, to investigate the matter. Despite criticism from ruling and opposition lawmakers, only Wi among the NEC’s eight incumbent commissioners appeared before the committee during the initial session. Lawmakers urged the remaining witnesses to cooperate with the committee’s inquiry.
